Whatever they're holding on to is non-voting stock, so I think Mr. Ball's erring on the side of caution. But that's better than the other way round.

I love his attitude about all of this. It is ridiculous that the mere fact of using a different email client can pack a hall full of tech types. It is ridiculous that it should be thought so hard to adapt computers to business, instead of the reverse. And I'm glad he's telling it like it is.

M$ pissed him off so much that anything connected with M$ by whatever form was to be damned.

But is Apple still connected to MS...and they wouldn't have the rights anyways to do anything. Non-voting stock is nothing. He has to worry just as much about MS buying RedHat as he does of MS buying Apple.

But is Apple still connected to MS...and they wouldn't have the rights anyways to do anything. Non-voting stock is nothing. He has to worry just as much about MS buying RedHat as he does of MS buying Apple.

We all know that was not the case, but we also know how misleading the media has been on this issue. Or any issue M$ related for that matter. Many articles in the media stated that M$ saved Apple with that "Investment." Truth is it was a settlement and an agreement that Apple would keep IE the default browser and that Apple would drop the suit against M$ for stealing the Mac's UI.

In his mind M$ having bought Apple's shares meant M$ was tied to Apple. M$ pays a LOT of money to media via advertising, commissions and such to spread the FUD. The monopoly is kept alive by propaganda, don't ya know?

What ever happen to M$'s "your machine is only licensed to run our OS" effort. Strikes me if they persue it they could still sting this guy as he has removed the purchased os and put his own on, technically if think they class that as a breach of the licensing agreement.

Great story. Geez I wish more people had the guts to do this after a BSA shakedown.

Yes I know the comment about Microsoft's investment in Apple was wrong but that's what happens when you deal with the Devil.

Fact is Apple needs to institute a Switch Campaign for Businesses. Trust me after writing a check for 6large to the BSA because of Windows Licensing issues I'd entertain the idea of moving to a more lenient license on my Client Machines as well.

Sometimes you have to fight agressively as the little guy. If Apple wants to grow in Business ..help these companies that are under constant intimidation from the BSA. You're always only one disgruntled employee away from being turned in and shaken down.

Apple doesn't come with the same licensing issues and has more application support. They need to be picking up these companies. If Redhat can do it then certainly Apple can.